Suicide is Not a Choice:
People Who Die by Suicide
Do Not Choose to Die

Suicide is Not a Choice:
People Who Die by Suicide
Do Not Choose to Die

by Kevin Caruso

People do not choose to have clinical depression.

People do not choose to have bipolar disorder.

People do not choose to have schizophrenia.

People do not choose to have cancer.

People do not choose to have post-traumatic stress disorder

People do not choose to have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

People to not choose to have tourette's syndrome.

People do not choose to be autistic.

People do not choose to have seasonal affective disorder.

People do not choose to have heart disease.

People do not choose to have dysthymia.

People do not choose to have narcolepsy.

People do not choose to have muscular dystrophy.

People do not choose to have Alzheimer's disease.

People do not choose to have dementia.

People do not choose to have anxiety attacks.

People do not choose to have delusions.

People do not choose to have psychosis.

People do not choose to have phobias.

People do not choose to be paralyzed.

People do not choose to have migraine headaches.

People do not choose to be victims of crime.

Children do not choose to be bullied.

Children do not choose to be sexually molested.

Children do not choose to be abused.

Women do not choose to be brutally beaten by their husbands.

Women do not choose to have postpartum depression.

Women do not choose to be raped.

People do not choose to be discriminated against.

People do not choose to be mistreated.

So why do some people think that people choose to die by suicide?

Answer: ignorance.

Many people (including some who are supposed to be "professionals" in the area of suicide, psychology, and religion) maintain the misguided, ignorant, outdated -- and idiotic -- belief that people "choose" suicide.

Over 90 percent of the people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. And the vast majority of those mental illnesses are untreated, under-treated, or not properly treated.

People who die by suicide are not thinking clearly -- and they cannot possibly think clearly -- because their brain is not functioning properly at the time they pass away from suicide.

Their brain is giving them overwhelming signals to die.

They have a chemical imbalance in their brain, are in extreme emotional pain, and their mind is saying "you must die by suicide to end this."

Again -- it is an overwhelming condition.

They do not "choose" do die -- their mental illness causes them to die -- just like some people die from heart disease, cancer, or other things that are out of their control.

And every time an ignorant person makes the statement that "people choose to die by suicide" the stigma of suicide is perpetuated.

Let me draw an analogy between suicide and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): People
with OCD have recurrent, overwhelming, obsessive thoughts that compel them to act in ways that others do not understand. For instance, a person with OCD may believe that
his or her house is contaminated -- even though it is immaculately clean -- and thus compulsively washes his or her hands
to get rid of the "germs."

So do people who are otherwise very intelligent simply "choose" to wash their hands 500 times a day?

No.

They have a disorder and need treatment.

Now, someone with severe depression -- and untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide -- has a similar signal that their brain is sending to them, and that signal is this: you must die by suicide.

That "signal" is incessant and overwhelming.

Again, the person does not "choose" suicide; the mental illness causes the suicide.

One more time: People do not choose suicide; their mental illness causes the suicide.

People who die by suicide are strong, intelligent, loving, caring people -- who happen to have a mental illness.

And there should be no stigma whatsoever associated with that mental illness -- regardless of what it is -- as well as no stigma associated with suicide.

The people who do not understand these basic, irrefutable truths about suicide are part of a serious problem -- and that problem is ignorance. And, unbelievably, many psychologists, psychiatrists, suicidologists, and members of the clergy are part of this problem -- and thus they actually perpetuate stigma instead of fighting it!

So, don't be part of the problem. Share your understanding about suicide with others, and help combat this ignorance.

And be as supportive, helpful, and understanding as possible to suicide survivors. They deserve our unconditional love.

And always remember this: People who die by suicide do not choose to die, they have a mental illness -- and it is the mental illness that causes them to pass away.

Please understand that although people who die by suicide do not "choose" to die, suicide can
most definitely be prevented -- Effective treatment can unquestionably prevent suicide.

The vast majority of people who receive treatment for their mental illness get better, or are
able to control their mental illness -- so treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

Suicide can be prevented.

Immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

Please be familiar with the Suicide Warning Signs
and be prepared to get help for yourself or someone else when you spot them -- always
seek treatment immediately if you or someone you know is suicidal.

The number one cause for suicide is untreated depression -- and depression is highly treatable.
So please be familiar with the signs of depression and always act immediately if you or someone
you know may have depression.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other
similar disorders can cause suicide if untreated or not effectively treated.

So if you think that you may have a mental illness of any kind, please immediately make appointments
with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be evaluated.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

And if you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page
of this website and take action.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effecitve treatement is the key to preventing suicide.

If you or so someone you know is ever acutely suicidal, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

Never try to treat yourself if you have a mental illness or are suicidal -- always seek
help from trained professionals, and always do so immediately.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

If you need help right now because you are suicidal, call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-723-TALK or call your local emergency or crisis
number, or click the following link for a list of suicide hotlines:
Suicide Hotlines -- Do not hesitate. Pick up the phone now and call. Right now. Go! Pick up the phone and reach out for help
-- people want to help you.

Suicide can be prevented -- immediate, effective treatment is the key to preventing suicide.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.

Disclaimer and Terms of Use: Suicide.org is provided for informational and educational purposes only; is not intended to diagnose or treat suicidal individual; and is not intended to constitute medical advice. While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained on Suicide.org, all information is provided on an "as is" basis without any representation, warranty or condition, whether express or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to: quality; accuracy; completeness; legality; reliability; efficacy; or fitness for any particular purpose. Anyone using this information does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify Suicide.org and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person's use of the information and resources on this website. Anyone who is suicidal should call 911 now and receive help from trained mental heath professionals.